events to attend

A Public Talk with Nobel Peace Laureate Shirin Ebadi: Prepare to feel empowered. Human rights activist Shirin Ebadi will lead “Reclaiming Islam,” a discussion on women, faith, and human rights at Regis University this Friday. Once named one of the “100 most powerful women in the world” by Forbes magazine, Ebadi has founded many nonprofit organizations in Iran, including the Defenders of Human Rights Center. Forced into exile in London in 2009 due to the persecution of critical members of the Iranian regime, she continues to fight for the human rights of Muslim women around the world. Friday, 7-9 p.m.; St. John Francis Regis Chapel, Regis University, 3333 Regis Boulevard; Free

Mental Health Art Benefit: Saturday’s theme is #iamstigmafree in this gathering of mental health awareness, art, snacks, and wine. Surrounded by art auctions, you can imbibe knowing that 100 percent of ticket and art sales will go back to The National Alliance on Mental Illness Colorado. Mental Health Speaker and Advocate Linda C. Rinehart will give a brief speech on the quality of mental health care and industry changes. Saturday, 6-9:30 p.m.; R2 Studio & Gallery, 4424 Tennyson Street; $10

Causes to Know About

Running Start: Boulderite and triathlete Nicole DeBoom believes that one-on-one mentorship is the key to a successful, female running program. “We call them ‘Personal Motivators,’” she said. “These are women who have found strength, courage, confidence, and happiness through running, and who want to share that passion with other women who need it.” DeBoom founded a women’s athletic apparel brand in 2005, which is how she discovered that the women around her wanted to become runners—but they needed support. Running Start pairs up “Personal Motivators” with “Beginners” (aspiring runners) to achieve their fitness goals. Additionally, they work to provide resources for their members including running shoes, gear, and health screenings. For more information on the program or how to apply visit their Facebook Page.

Canines Providing Assistance to Wounded Warriors (C-P.A.W.W1): While everyone knows a dog fills a room with love, C-P.A.W.W. is helping pups play an integral role in care and assistance for veterans. A health research initiative, C-P.A.W.W.’s goal is to advance and support the evidence behind service dogs improving the health and daily lives of veterans. “Every veteran has a different set of needs,” Eleni Padden, a professional research assistant at C-P.A.W.W. said. “We want dogs to be a resource, and provide as much research as possible supporting that.” With a focus in canine assistance, they want to influence public policy making and the requirements of care for the armed forces and veterans. One goal is to make service dogs for veterans a reimbursable medical expense that would be covered under veterans’ health care plans.